Ranig Chase in tough battle win back Castleford Tigers starting spot

DARYL POWELL admits wayward Rangi Chase has fallen down the pecking order in his Castleford Tigers side and it could be weeks before he forces his way back in after a discipline issue.
Rangi Chase on the attack for Castleford Tigers against Leigh Centurions in the opening weekend of the season.  Picture: Bruce RollinsonRangi Chase on the attack for Castleford Tigers against Leigh Centurions in the opening weekend of the season.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Rangi Chase on the attack for Castleford Tigers against Leigh Centurions in the opening weekend of the season. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

The former England stand-off, now in his second spell at Wheldon Road, was dropped ahead of last week’s 66-10 destruction of Leeds Rhinos due to an investigation that was dealt with internally by the West Yorkshire club.

Castleford did not divulge any details at the time but, for all his talents, Chase has been dogged by controversy before during his chequered career.

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Clearly, Tigers did not miss the 30-year-old’s talents though as, in some style, they maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with a third successive win.

Rangi Chase on the attack for Castleford Tigers against Leigh Centurions in the opening weekend of the season.  Picture: Bruce RollinsonRangi Chase on the attack for Castleford Tigers against Leigh Centurions in the opening weekend of the season.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Rangi Chase on the attack for Castleford Tigers against Leigh Centurions in the opening weekend of the season. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

While it seems 2011 Man of Steel Chase’s future at Wheldon Road looks secure for now – there is no suggestion they will take further action – Powell heads to Widnes Vikings on Sunday conceding the star player will not be considered.

“The team played exceptionally well last week,” he said.

“If you take yourself out of it for whatever reason then there’s a process of getting back into it.

“That’s not been completed yet so we’ll see how that goes over the coming weeks.”

Castleford Tigers' head coach Daryl Powell. Picture : Jonathan GawthorpeCastleford Tigers' head coach Daryl Powell. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe
Castleford Tigers' head coach Daryl Powell. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe
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Samoa stand-off Ben Roberts, who missed the Leeds game with a groin injury, could return having been overlooked for the previous week’s stunning win at Warrington Wolves.

Asked if the former Melbourne Storm star had leapt ahead of Chase in the battle to partner England scrum-half Luke Gale for Castleford, Powell said: “At the moment Benny’s coming back into the team and Rangi took himself out a bit so, probably, yes, he has.

“That’s where Rangi needs to get himself back in. He’s trained well this week. He’s just got to do that consistently over weeks and then the opportunity will come and then it’s about taking it.

“We’ve a talented group of half-backs here. You see Paul McShane slot in there last week and look like an accomplished half-back.

Rangi Chase on the attack for Castleford Tigers against Leigh Centurions in the opening weekend of the season.  Picture: Bruce RollinsonRangi Chase on the attack for Castleford Tigers against Leigh Centurions in the opening weekend of the season.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Rangi Chase on the attack for Castleford Tigers against Leigh Centurions in the opening weekend of the season. Picture: Bruce Rollinson
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“So, the last thing you want to do in this team is take yourself out of it as getting back into it might be quite hard.”

Ex-Leeds hooker McShane was, indeed, excellent when filling in at six and Powell could be tempted to leave him there at Widnes.

He said: “Benny will come into the equation and I’ve got to make a decision on whether I use him or not.

“Other than that we’re pretty much as we were. I’ll make that decision soon but we’ve got some options now.”